Though Lidona wore a frosty expression, Lexi, as her close friend, knew she wasn't angry.
Besides, Anya had successfully piqued Lexi's interest. "Come to think of it, Nana, didn't you fight those fourth-years earlier to prepare for a match with that junior? Why haven't you made a move yet?"
Anya nodded. "Yeah. That guy you hate finally came back to the academy, yet you didn't drag him into the duel room at the first opportunity?"
"I never said I hated him," Lidona corrected.
Anya and Lexi looked at her at the same time.
Lidona paused.
"—At least, I never used that word."
"Oooh."
Anya drew out the sound.
Lexi added seriously, "But you did call him 'an arrogant guy,' 'a bastard wasting his talent,' and 'a bastard hogging the practice room.'"
Lidona: ...
Anya's shoulders shook as she tried to hold back her laughter.
Expressionless, Lidona put away her record book. "I'm not planning to duel him now."
"Huh?" Anya froze for a moment. "Why? Didn't you train so hard before to prepare for this?"
Lexi was also somewhat surprised. "And you've clearly beaten several fourth-years lately. Even if his talent is pretty good, he can't possibly be a match for you, right?"
Lidona did not answer immediately.
She thought of Instructor Mirabelle, and of the advice her instructor had later given her—not to let private emotions influence her.
She had indeed intended to challenge He Xi to a duel once he returned.
Though she did not think it was entirely about private emotions.
She simply felt that the guy was clearly valued by Instructor Mirabelle and possessed a talent others would envy, yet could squander it without a care.
That easygoing, casual air of his was something she could not understand, and it even irritated her somewhat.
Learning spells